Abstract Composition in Brown, Black, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Blue [recto]

c. 1944

Mark Rothko

Associated Names
Mark Rothko

Artist, American, born Russia (now Latvia), 1903 - 1970

The image displays diverse flowing, curvilinear lines and angular shapes, forming an abstract composition. Swirling lines and smudges of color intersect with defined shapes resembling musical instruments or figures in motion. The background features a muted palette of grays and browns with splashes of blue, yellow, and red, creating a dynamic and layered look. There are hints of familiar objects like a violin or a swan, presented abstractly.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor, pen and black ink, and brush and black ink over graphite on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of The Mark Rothko Foundation, Inc.

  • Dimensions

    overall: 38.1 x 53.4 cm (15 x 21 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1986.43.182.a

  • Copyright

    Copyright © 2005 Kate Rothko Prizel and Christopher Rothko

Associated Artworks

The image shows swirling and curved lines with various shapes, some sharp and pointed, while others are smoother and more rounded. There is an oval shape on the left with lines indicating rib-like structures. A triangle at the top center connects to vertical elements. Overlapping areas have colors blending into each other.

Untitled [verso]

Mark Rothko

1944

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1986

  • Jung and Abstract Expressionism: The Collective Image Among Individual Voices. Hofstra University, Emily Lowe Gallery, November 2 - December 14, 1986

Wikidata ID

Q64595404

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